Introducing L'Elisir D'Amore wonderful cast and crew!

Liza Barskaya (Stage Director) is a Los Angeles-based stage director, choreographer, and dancer. She trained in Southern California and attended summer programs with American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, and Ballet Austin before joining Ballet Austin’s Professional Division as a trainee in 2010. She later spent several years living and performing in New York City before returning to Los Angeles.

As a performer, she has worked with companies including Benita Bike’s DanceArt, American Swiss Ballet, Dances Patrelle, and Los Angeles Choreographers and Dancers. Her background in dance strongly informs her work in opera and theater, shaping movement, storytelling, and visual rhythm on stage.

Barskaya has been involved with Independent Opera Company since 2015 and currently serves as its Resident Stage Director and Choreographer. Her directing and choreography credits with the company include The Love for Three Oranges, Little Red Riding Hood and Puss in Boots, Dialogues of the Carmelites, Anna Bolena, and other productions spanning the company’s recent seasons.

Most recently, she made her Off-Broadway directorial debut as choreographer and co-director of Gunfight at the Not-So-OK Saloon with Brooke deRosa and Trial Run Productions in New York City. She previously collaborated with Trial Run Productions on Alice in Wonderland as choreographer and co-director.

She is delighted to return to the stage with Independent Opera Company for Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore and looks forward to bringing this beloved romantic comedy to life.

Niko Murakami (Adina) is a Japanese-American soprano. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music -

Vocal Performance from California State University Long Beach and earned her Master’s

degree in Vocal Performance at California State University Northridge. Ms. Murakami’s credited roles in opera include Rose Maurrant in Street Scene, The Princess in L’enfant et les Sortiléges, and Sister Mathilde in Dialogues of the Carmelites. She has collaborated with organizations like Pacific Opera Project (Superflute, Iolanta, Elixir of Love,

Madama Butterfly), Independent Opera (Love for Three Oranges, Daphne), and Los Angeles Opera Connects (On Gold Mountain). She has also performed as a guest soloist hosted by the Japanese Consulate of Los Angeles.

Her work includes singing as the soprano soloist for a Japanese rendition of Handel’s The

Messiah with The Japanese Messiah Project. She recently sang in Vibra Voce’s Voices of Asia

concert at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre. Niko studies classical voice with Shigemi Matsumoto.

LA-based soprano Chandler E. Cummings she/her (Adina cover-chorus) grew up in northern Michigan and received her BA in music & psychology from Wellesley College. A passionate student of opera, Chandler has studied and performed in Europe, Asia, and across North America. Recent concert highlights include performances with Source/Filter Music Collective, featuring works by Bernstein, Shostakovich, Puccini, Bizet, and more. Some of Chandler's favorite previous roles include Mimi in La bohème, the title role in Gilbert & Sullivan's Patience, and Baker's Wife in Into the Woods. Chandler is interested in all things art, nature, and sustainability, and is a passionate animal rights advocate.

Jacob Stucki (Nemorino) is a tenor who has enjoyed a range of performances during his career. Last year,

he debuted Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi with Landmark Opera Co. and The Prince in CSUN’s

production of Marta Lambertini’s Cenicienta!!! (the west-coast premier of the opera). Also a

die-hard Mozart fan, a few of his favorite roles to sing include Ottavio in Don Giovanni, Tamino

in Die Zauberflöte, and Basilio in Le nozze di Figaro. He also sang the role of Edwin the

Defendant in Lawrence Opera Theatre’s Trial by Jury. He is also an accomplished choral singer,

and his dad says he is “the best one in his row.” He recently received his Master’s in Music from

CSUN under the tutelage of Hugo Vera. In his rare free time, he enjoys hiking and relaxing on

the beach, often in that order.

Kirk Garner, tenor, (Nemorino cover/soldier) is a classically-trained singer and actor with broad-ranging experience, including both stage and concert work and both musical theater and opera. Some of Kirk's opera roles include Tamino in The Magic Flute, Ferrando in Così fan tutte, and Camille in The Merry Widow. His musical theater roles include Will Parker in Oklahoma! and Prince Dauntless in Once Upon a Mattress, and operetta roles include Ernest Dummkopf in The Grand Duke, Colonel Fairfax in Yeoman of the Guard, Alexis in The Sorcerer, and Marco in The Gondoliers. Kirk holds a Master's Degree in Vocal Performance from California State University, Northridge. Most recently, he appeared as The Donkey Owner in IOC’s production of Die Kluge. Learn more at www.kirkgarner.net

David Ingram, Baritone, (Belcore) is an American singer known for his warm tone and strong stage presence.

He has performed leading and supporting roles with companies such as Arizona Opera, Independent Opera Company, Lawrence Opera Theater, and CSUN Opera. His memorable roles include Il Conte (Le Nozze di Figaro), Papageno (Die Zauberflöte), Escamillo (Carmen), Belcore (L’elisir d’amore), and Marcello (La Bohème).

In addition to opera, David has appeared as a soloist in major oratorio works including Faure’s

Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, and Mozart’s Requiem. He has sung with ensembles such as the

Arizona Opera Chorus, Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and sang with the Tucson Arizona

Boys Chorus since he was 9 years old. David is a scholar of gregorian chant and earned his Master of Music in Vocal Performance from California State University, Northridge, and his Bachelor of Music from the University of Arizona.

He currently resides in Los Angeles, continuing to perform across the West Coast.

Baritone Dominic Lim (Belcore cover) has performed leading and supporting roles with various productions

across California, Las Vegas, South Carolina and Korea.

Renowned for his strong stage presence and expressive artistry, his repertoire spans from

Baroque to contemporary works. Active in opera, oratorio, art song, and concert performances,

Mr. Lim showcases exceptional versatility and depth across diverse musical styles.

He holds a Master of Music degree from California State University, Northridge, where he

studied under the mentorship of Professor Shigemi Matsumoto, and is currently pursuing a

Graduate Certificate at the University of Southern California under the guidance of Professor

Derrick Lawrence.

Chun “Kelvin” Li He/They (Dulcamara), is an emerging bass-baritone from Hopkins, Minnesota, originally

from Hong Kong. Prior to moving to California, Kelvin was a member and featured soloist for the

National Lutheran Choir, based out of Minnesota. Kelvin continues to dive into his choral roots

singing bass with numerous choirs around the Los Angeles metro. Kelvin attended Luther

College in Decorah, Iowa, for his B.A. in music management. Kelvin is pursuing his M.M. in

vocal performance from California State University, Northridge. He has sung various roles for

operas such as Bartolo, (Le nozze di Figaro) Marquis De La Force (Dialogues des

Carmélites), JJ Peachum (Threepenny Opera), Don Alfonso (Cosi fan tutte), and Dr. Rudi

(Path to Heaven). Kelvin has been a featured oratorio soloist at CSUN, having performed solos

in Bach’s “Magnificat” and Faure’s “Requiem” for the CSUN Choirs. He was also one of the

winners of the 2025 CSUN Concerto Competition, where he sang “La del ciel nell’arcano.” (La

Cenerentola) Kelvin has a passion for promoting community health and wellness, consistently

striving for just treatment in his communities. In the future, He hopes to provide outreach to

disadvantaged musicians across America, focusing on regions in the upper-midwest.

Jessica Berns-Garner, Dramatic Coloratura Soprano (Gianetta)  is an up-and-coming performer in the Los Angeles area, known for her warm, rich timbre and powerful instrument.  Her operatic roles include Parasya (The Fair at Sorochintsy), Zerlina (Don Giovanni), Frasquita (Carmen), La Ciesca (Gianni Schicchi), Fortuna (L’incoronazione di Poppea), both First and Second Lady and also Papagena (Die Zauberflöte), First Witch (Macbeth), and multiple roles in Suor Angelica including Dolcina, Nursing Sister, and First Touriere.  Additionally, she has covered the title role in Anna Bolena, Blanche (Dialogues des Carmelites), Gilda (Rigoletto), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), Juliette (Roméo et Juliette), die Königin der Nacht (Die Zauberflöte), Adele (Die Fledermaus) and Genovieffa (Suor Angelica).  Operetta roles Ms. Berns-Garner has sung include Gianetta (The Gondoliers), Constance (The Sorcerer), Phoebe (The Yeoman of the Guard), Countess Stasi (The Gipsy Princess), and Sylviane (The Merry Widow).  In addition to her operatic work, Ms. Berns-Garner is also an accomplished concert soloist, having performed as a soloist in the Rutter Requiem, The Messiah, Handel’s Foundling Hospital Anthem, The Creation, and the Vivaldi Gloria.  Ms. Berns-Garner holds a Master of Music degree in Vocal Arts Performance from California State University, Northridge, which she received in 2013, and continues to study voice with Jessica Tivens-Schneiderman.  

Laura Barrows (Gianetta cover/chorus)  is thrilled to be joining Independent opera company once again. She has received her Bachelors of Music from Cal State University Northridge. She has most recently appeared as the Wardrobe in Beauty and the beast with Actors Repertory Theater of Simi Valley and Papagena in Landmark Opera’s production of The Magic Flute.  Laura has played many roles with VCGSRC including Utopia (Zara) , The Pirates of Penzance(Mabel), Patience(Patience), The Sorcerer(Aline) and Yeoman of the Guard (Elsie). With The Musician Club she performed in Dido and Aeneas (Belinda). She has been a part of Riverside lyric opera in Amahl and the night visitors, Gianni Schicchi, Suor Angelica, and HMS Pinafore. She has performed in many musicals including A Little Night Music, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cabaret, Gypsy, Pippin and Into the Woods. She is excited to be joining this cast and crew and is grateful for this wonderful opportunity.

Alexei Helmbock (chorus) has been a mainstay of several choral groups in the Los Angeles area, singing in various genres both sacred and secular. Born and raised in Boston, Alexei has been a lifelong musician who has shown repeated flexibility in the roles he has undertaken, including both tenor and bass section leader. Alexei has enjoyed singing music as varied as oratorio, opera, and bluegrass.

Alvin Kim (chorus) is a tenor from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who recently relocated to Los Angeles. His operatic credits include Basilio in Le Nozze di Figaro and appearances in productions of Ruddigore, The Merry Widow, Die Fledermaus, and L’Orfeo. Concert and ensemble performances include The Messiah at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, and West Side Story at the Civic Center Grand Hall in Mankato, MN. This November, he will perform the role of Le Prince Charmant in Massenet's Cendrillon with CSUN Opera Theatre.

Alvin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Luther College and is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Voice & Opera Performance at California State University, Northridge.

Amanda Laughlin Merritt (chorus) is a soprano from Cleveland, Ohio. In 2020, she graduated with honors from Barnard College of Columbia University where she focused her studies on 20th century and contemporary Irish language opera and art song. Her most recent operatic roles include The Narrator (cover) in The Tell-Tale Heart (Jarrar), Second Lady in Die Zauberflöte, L’enfant in L’enfant et les sortilèges (Ravel), Eithne in Eithne (O’Dwyer), and La Fée in Cendrillon (Viardot). Offstage, Amanda is a stage manager and has worked on productions for organizations including Huntington Middle School and Modern Opera Company. She also serves her community as an interpretive volunteer at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and on the volunteer staff of the Woodley Park Archers.

Amber Keys (chorus) is a 19 year old Mezzo Soprano from the San Gabriel Valley currently attending California State University, Northridge pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, studying under Professor Diane Ketchie. Recently receiving acknowledgment as an outstanding vocal student and a music scholarship Amber‘s love and dedication to music exceeds past herself. Her operatic credits include Mére Jeanne de l'enfent Jesus in Dialogues des Carmélites and a Due Donne in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro.

Amber will be entering into her third year of CSUN’s prestigious auditioned choir Northridge Singers and her fourth production with the school this fall. Before CSUN she graduated from Ramon C Cortines VAPA studying music and her internship at the LA Opera through Russell Thomas's Youth Artist Training Academy (RTYATA). She is looking forward to her Independent Opera Company debut in this production of L'elisir d'amore.

Bedjou Jean (chorus) is very honored to be part of this IOC production. He is a bass-baritone who recently studied voice at Los Angeles Valley College. He was previously in IOC’s production of Daphne and Dialogues of the Carmelites. He likes making videos so follow him @bedjouisthebbg

Bianca Galicia (chorus) began honing her craft at renowned institutions such as, The Los Angeles Music and Art School, The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, and East Los Angeles College. With over 18 years of choral experience, she has performed as a soloist in iconic works including, Handel's The Messiah, Mozart's Requiem and Coronation Mass, Bach's Magnificat, and Schubert's Mass in G. Bianca has participated as a chorus member in the various productions such as, Leoncavallo's Il Pagliacci and Rachmaninov’s Aleko with Pacific Lyric Association, Strauss's Daphne and Mussorgsky's The Fair at Sorochyntsi Independent Opera Company, and Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro with Santa Monica College, where she also had the opportunity to be the understudy for the role of Contessa. She most recently performed as The Sandman and Dew Fairy in Humperdink's Hansel and Gretel with Opera à la Mode. Bianca is currently performing with the vocal group Voces de Amarilis, who specialize in a repertoire that ranges from operatic trios to Hispanic boleros.

Holaa, my name is Jonathan Hernandez (chorus, any pronouns) and I’m 21 years old. I’m currently pursuing my BM in Vocal Performance as a Tenor/Countertenor at CSUN and plan to get my music therapy equivalency and/or my teaching credentials afterwards. I fell in love with the art of music from a young age as it really pierced my soul and I’m so

grateful that I’ve been privileged with the honor of being able to share the art of the world with its inhabitants. I’m primarily a vocalist/performer but I’m also well versed in piano, violin, vocal percussion, and some guitar. I’m also a singer/songwriter and love to write when I’m feeling inspired. One of my favorite musical experiences has to be

performing Mozart's Requiem in Carnegie Hall because there’s nothing like singing in such a beautiful hall of deep, musical history. The first time I fell in love with opera was when I saw La Bohème because it moved me so much and after seeing it live, I found that Rodolfo would be a dream role of mine that I hope I could fill the shoes of one day.

If I can leave you with anything, never forget that the world is brighter with you here.

Janice Batzdorff, mezzo soprano, (Chorus) has had the pleasure of singing with the chorus for numerous IOC productions including Goyescas, The Tsar’s Bride, Eugene Onegin, Romeo and Juliet, The Snow Maiden, Rigoletto, Lucia di Lammermoor and The Dialogues of the Carmelites. She has also been in the chorus with Celestial Opera Company, Los Angeles Metropolitan Opera and Pacific Opera Project, and is a long time member of the Verdi Chorus.

Kristin McGinnis (chorus) is a graduate student at California State University Northridge and is excited to be performing with Independent Opera Company again! Through her time at California State University Northridge she has been able to sing roles such as Cherubino in Le Nozze Di Figaro, Miss Todd in Old Maid and the Thief, Mrs. Peachum in The Three Penny Opera, and Madame la Croissy in Dialogues of the Carmelites. She has also been in the US premiers of Cenicientaaa...! playing the Stepmother and Marea Roja playing Kassandra Aucencia. Outside of her education, Kristin teaches voice and piano privately and performs in ensembles across the LA area including Independent Opera Company and Guild Opera where she was in the world premiere of Luke and Sarah as Ma McBeam.

Madeline Reynolds (chorus) is a Southern California soprano whose versatility and musicianship allow her to thrive on stage and in the studio. She graduated with her Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from Azusa Pacific University in 2020 and her Master of Music in vocal performance from University of California, Los Angeles in 2023. Her opera roles thus far include “Anne Trulove” in Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress, “Adina” in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore, “Maria Maladetto” in Richard Danielpour’s new opera The Grand Hotel Tartarus,“Thérèse” in Poulenc’s Les Mamelles de Tirésias, and “Pamina” in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. As a member of SAG-AFTRA, she has sung on various albums and movies/TV shows, including being a featured vocalist on “Yodel Beat,” from the movie Trolls: World Tour and a soprano in the studio

choir on the The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. She has also been on tour as a background singer with soul band “Thee Sacred Souls,” in 2024 and with “Avatar the Last Airbender 20th Anniversary Live in Concert,” in 2025 as a soprano in the quartet. Currently, she is assistant director of the Long Beach Youth Chorus, a musicianship teacher with the Los Angeles

Children’s Chorus, and a voice teacher with West Covina High School. As a choral singer, she sings with The Hour of Power Choir and the Long Beach Camerata Singers. A fun fact is that she sang in the choral recordings used in Lady Gaga’s “Mayhem” Tour and Coachella 2025 set.

Lauren Keys (soldier) is an 18-year-old mezzo-soprano from Los Angeles, California, formerly studying Vocal Music at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) and will attend University of California, Irvine in the fall. As a dedicated performer, Lauren has participated in prestigious programs and competitions including the Music Center’s Spotlight Program and the NAACP ACT-SO Competition. She has also performed internationally, appearing in concert venues in Paris, France, and Calgary, Canada.

Lauren is excited to join her first Independent Opera Company production of L’elisir d’amore and looks forward to continuing her artistic growth while sharing her love of music with audiences.

Mia Karnakis (chorus) is a Los Angeles-based soprano currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at California State University, Northridge, where she studies with Diane Ketchie. A recipient of the Rachel and Moyer Ketchie Memorial Scholarship, her operatic credits include the Son/The Juniper Bird in Philip Glass’s The Juniper Tree and Barbarina (cover) in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro. This season, she will perform the title role in Massenet’s Cendrillon at CSUN. On the concert stage, Mia brings extensive ensemble experience as a member of CSUN’s flagship choir, the Northridge Singers. Her international engagements include a debut at the InterHarmony Music Festival in Italy, where she performed both solo and duet repertoire. Having previously appeared in the chorus of Anna Bolena, she returns to the Independent Opera Company for this production of L’elisir d’amore.

Salette Corpuz is a costume designer and stylist whose work spans television, opera, and international commercial projects. Her design approach seamlessly blends her fashion and styling background to create expressive, character-driven costumes while establishing a cohesive palette across the stage picture. Committed to circularity and sustainable practices, she brings depth of experience paired with openness to fresh, futuristic ideas. For Independent Opera Company she has designed costumes for multiple seasons, including the recent production of Die Kluge.  Other theatrical credits include: Cassatt currently at Theater West and Die Fledermaus with Pacific Opera Project (POP). She has also styled major live fashion events with luxury brands such as St. John, Range Rover, and Porsche.

Mara Aguilar stage manager Mara is delighted to serve as Stage Manager for L’elisir d’amore with the Independent Opera Company. Donizetti’s beloved romantic comedy combines a magical love potion, a shy dreamer, and sparkling music to create an evening full of laughter, heart, and charm. Mara is grateful to collaborate with such a talented cast, crew, and creative team in bringing this timeless story to life. She hopes you enjoy every enchanting moment of this unforgettable production.

💕 Follow Mara’s theatrical adventures on Instagram: @maramargarita13. Enjoy the show! 

For the Artistic Director bio and picture please visit https://www.independentoperacompany.org/artistic-director

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